The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1887-06-04
CHAPTER VII
THE ATTACK

THE ATTACK
The entire household noticed the unusual
manner OF the restless ex-s slave, and Lille
called Johns attention to the matter.
Brother, something is wrong with jeff;
he isn't acting naturally. / would see what
iB wrong with him.
JEFF" said John, as that individual again
approached, You appear detected. Is any
thing wrong?'
"lIarse John. and jeff sighed, docs dis
yer freedom mean dat yer's got no mo in
trust in Iue!"
That's it exactly. jeff You are your
own master now.
Den dat are freedom done make me lebe
all my ole frien's. Dis Niger hev freedom,
but no home. Marse John. ef l isn't no
count nigger yer ken hev de freedom, an
I'll lib wld dem what / lubs.'
This was something unexpected-some-
thing unusual For slave to refuse his
freedom when offered it. and willingly re-
turn TO slavery, was not common occur
renee.
John was perplexed.
JEFF, he said, after turning the matter
over in his mind, i have gwen You your
freedom. That freedom is yours. You will
never be slave again. If you like your
present home sufficiently well to remain
with Us, We will gladly let you share it
while We have one. You can have charge
of the hands. and / will pay you for your
services. Is that enough, Jeff"
Still he did not appear satisfied, but beck
oning John aside, he had a low, CONT
Dental talk with him. When the two sepa-
rated John was smiling. and almost a halo
of happiness was around the face of the
negro. He was changed His step was
elastic-he had renewed his youth. Not o
word WAS said about the conversation, and
no one but John and jeff knew its import
As the day wore on anxiety was moro
perceptible in the faces Of the inhabitants
of the mansion. While there WAS no visible
danger, vet these people seemed to feel the
danger that menaced them. Every approach
leading 10 the mansion was closely watched,
and when negro came running up from the
road. the whites OF his eyes showing with
fear, as he exclaimed. "Deys er cumin'
Dey's er cumin'i it was nothing more
than had been expected, and even the la
dies heaved signs of relief from great an1-
iety, although they knew that the visitors
would create trouble.
John requested the ladies TO take refuge
in the cellar as safe refuge from stray bull
lets, in case of an attack, but not one would
comply with the request, and they all re-
manned and We're comparatively calm. but
pale.
As the men turned from the Wire Road
John, who Vas watching commenced to
count: One two, three, four, Ave, six.
seven, eigat-there are more than | ex-
pected. The rsscals are continually getting
accessions 10 their ranks.
They turned the corner and came on up
the dusty road in pairs. They wore the
clothes of the Arkansas citizen, and carried
all sorts of weapons. They made fair
military display for so few men, and the
Eddles people would have enioved the sight
if it had OF been for having a knowledge
of their purpose. When the men had got
within hRiling distance they stopped.
Halloo.'
No attention was paid it. and after a short
pause the call was repeated
"Halloo,"
John partially opened the door and
looked out
w hat 10 you wantf
Is Woodsley here:"
"Yes. What do you want of him7'
Tell him to come hyar.
He can't 90. Any message yon have for
him l will deliver"
The rafting OF glass in the gable of the
building was heard. and voice from above
called out.
Captain, I'm q prisoner! Eddles has
locked ms upi Kill the skunk and let me
loose.
Henry Arno bounded up the stairs.
[ Unlocking the door and striding rapidly
forward 10 where the prisoner was appeal
ing to the bushwhackers for freedom. he
grasped that unfortunate man by the col
lar and threw him In q heap in the corner.
If you dare cry ont, or show yourself
again at that window. I'll blow what little
brains you have out" said Arn0, shaking
his fist in his fallen foes face.
Come out, Mr.. Eddles; We want to talk
with yer, said the Captain in persuasive
tone.
You can talk with me from where you
are; or if you prefer, come in. "
This appeared to be az fair as the Cap
tain could wish.
Come. boys, wen go in" And they began
to dIsmount
NO, you don't. Just one at time I've
got no business with those others If you
want to talk. come in.
Boys, give it to the sneaking houndi"
the Captain yelled.
The mansion door closed with a bang,
aud none too soon, for at once the rafting Of
shot and bullets against the mansion began,
and the heavy oaken door was pierced in
many places.
house replied and one bushwhacker ceased
hostilities. John rushed for his rife.
Springing to window he took aim at one Of
the enemy, and AZ he fred blood curdling
yell broke forth above the din, and-John
turned away from the window
TO BE CONTINUED.